She doesn’twantme to ask her opinion on stuff like this, because she doesn’t think she has the right to one. I’m not sure why. When it comes to her art, to her career, she is her own best advocate. But with everything else, I get the sense she’s constantly trying to earn her keep andnotseem like an inconvenience.
I see the value in being useful, and there’s a lot of talk about her staying in the States because she’ll be needed when Anna has her baby. But I don’t think that’s truly at the core of why they want her to stay. She’s family. They want her around because they love her. Not just because she’s willing to babysit.
“Don’t make a big deal out of it,” I say, and Sarah swivels her gaze from her painting back to me. “I would want your opinion even if you weren’t going to live in the house. Just tell me if you like it.”
Finally, she lets herself grin. “Fine,” she says. “I really love it. Really,really, reallylove it.”
“Good,” I say, returning her smile. “That makes me happy. I guess I need to go sign some paperwork, then.”
She lifts her hands over her head in a celebratory cheer that’s completely adorable. “I’m going to see you in a couple of days, right?” she asks. “Is that still the plan?”
“Definitely,” I say. “I’m lookingforward to it.”
Downstairs, it sounds like Shelby is back inside, so I turn and head toward the kitchen.
“Hang on,” I say to Sarah. “I think the realtor just came in.”
“I can just let you go,” Sarah says, but I shake my head no.
“Not yet. Just give me a sec.”
Shelby is standing at the kitchen counter, iPad turned on in front of her. She looks up and smiles wide as soon as she sees me. “Is she still on the call?”
Next thing I know, she’s plucked the phone out of my hands and is saying hello to Sarah, gushing about the house.
“I just know you’re going to love it,” Shelby says to Sarah. “Trust me. The bathrooms are incredible. And the kitchen! You two will be so happy here.”
“I already love it,” Sarah says.
“Have you seen the pool?”
“Oh, um, not yet, but I’m sure I’ll see?—”
“I can show you right now!” Shelby says, standing and moving toward the patio door. “It’s almost dark outside, but the pool lights are on, and honestly, I think it looks more beautiful at night.”
I follow behind her, wondering what Sarah is making of this unexpected interaction.
“Okay, well, I’ll give you back to Carter,” Shelby eventually says. She eyes me, then looks at Sarah one more time. “You sure are getting a good one with this man.”
Shelby hands me the phone, and I carry it inside and into the primary suite off the kitchen so I can say goodbye to Sarah without an audience.
“Well, she was…enthusiastic,” Sarah says as soon as we’re alone.
“Sorry. She just grabbed the phone. Didn’t even really give me a choice.”
“I noticed,” Sarah says. “She seems nice.”
“Yeah, she is. She’s been helpful.”
She presses her lips together like there’s something else she wants to ask, but then she gives her head a little shake, and I sense the moment has passed. Sarah confirms as much by stretching her arms over her head and stifling a yawn. “Okay. I think it’s time for me to call it a night. I need food. And my tiny sofa in my tiny apartment.”
“No night on the town for you, huh?”
“Takeout and terrible television is more my speed these days.”
“I wish I could join you,” I say, “except I don’t think your couch could handle both of us.”
She laughs. “Definitely not.”
